Carol Howitz
August 19, 1944 ~ May 25, 2021
Remembering a joyous soul...
Carol passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, surrounded by her loving family.
Carol Ellen Gjesdal was born on August 19, 1944, the daughter of Selmer “Chuck” and Beatrice (Harriet) Gjesdal. She grew up and was raised in the Nekoma, North Dakota area. Carol was united in marriage to Ronald Howitz on November 11, 1960, at the St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Nekoma. They have made their home in Buffalo for the past years.
Carol loved her family with genuine unconditional love. She was happily married for 60 years to the love of her life. She loved going to the lakes, packing everything but the kitchen sink and maybe taking a quick trip to the casino! Preparing LARGE meals for the family was her specialty! No one got passed her without a hug and through the years she adored all of her “babies”.
Carol so loved the Lord and had a servant’s heart with compassion for all people; she would have given anything to anyone. She gave so much of herself to her church, the community and the store which meant more to her than a job because of the people. She made each person she came into contact with feel important and loved; she had to touch them, “COVID be damned” was her response when she couldn’t help herself.
She was Gentle yet Bold. Delicate but Strong. Small but Mighty. Turned every House into a Home. She made Happy out of Sad and left notes with smiley faces everywhere she went. Flowers were one of her favorite things to surround her with nature’s beauty. Peach geraniums were her favorite, and she cherished planting them with her daughter every year.
Carol is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Howitz of Buffalo, ND; her son, Terry (Konnie) Howitz of Mesa, AZ; Lori (David) Giles of Fargo, ND; her brother, Richard Gjesdal of Mesa, AZ; her beloved grandchildren – Josh Howitz, Jenica (Doug) Blaire, Tyson (Kelly) Giles, and Tessa (Tim) Nelson; and her great-grandchildren – Hadley, Piper, and Hayden Blaire; Nash and Nova Nelson and Avery Giles. Carol was preceded in death by her parents.
She loved everyone and everyone loved her back!
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: 3 PM Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo – with a gathering one hour prior. Everyone is welcome to attend this service – for those unable to, the service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Carol was such a beautiful person! I enjoyed getting to know her when they moved back to Buffalo. We send our sympathy at this difficult time.
Carol was one of my favorite people in Buffalo. I remember so fondly the summer days at Jewett Lake with her and others, the days at the girls’ track meets, and so many other good times. She will be deeply missed by so many.
My deepest sympathy to Carol’s family and friends God bless and comfort you all.
Deepest Sympathy to Ron and family. I am thinking about all of you in this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. Sending hugs and prayers. ❤️🙏
Our deepest sympathy to your family, Carol was a great lady
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time
So very sorry to hear about this. Always loved talking to her.
Many nice memories of Carol at the store a BEATIFUL lady my sympathy to Ron and family
Carol was a ray of sunshine to everyone everyday. Will miss her sweet smile. Praying for comfort for Ron and her whole family.
Our deepest condolences for your loss, prayers to Carols family.
Ron and family so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed working with Carol on store projects. She was always cheerful and so dedicated to the store. If we would have had to pay her for all the time and effort she put in to make the store successful. We would have never been able to afford her. She will be missed.
Ron, Terry, Lori and families: Just heard the sad news about Carol and am sending our sympathies. I have such fond memories of my youth being a part of your sweet family. All those fun summers at Jewett Lake, sleepovers with Lori and friends, and Carol always had a meal ready, creating a warm and fuzzy environment for all, and was a ray of sunshine wherever she was! I can hear her infectious laugh as I write this. :^) Sending prayers of comfort from our Lord and I’m sure He is saying to her, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”. She lived a full life on earth and we can have hope knowing we will all be together someday again – I’m sure she and my mom/dad are giving each other big bear hugs in Heaven. All our love, Jeff and Brenda (Moderow) Halverson (Littleton, CO).
My condolences to all of a Carol’s family and friends! Carol and the Howitz family were always so nice. Prayers to Ron, Terry and Lori and all their families.
We loved Carol and will so miss her giggle, hugs and unconditional love. Heaven gained a most wonderful angel.
So sorry to hear about Carol! Thinking of all of you and sending prayers!
So sad to hear this. Aunt Carol was an awesome woman. She will be sadly missed. Love you Aunt Carol.
My aunt and uncle (great) Elmer and Bette Madsen always talked about their fun times. I know Dave and Lori ❣️ This is sad. My deepest condolences to all. God Bless you all and Rest In Peace Carol 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Thinking of you and great memories of the Giles
Thinking of you Ron sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss Ron.
We’ll miss her sweet, bubbly personality. She has a sweet, loving family and our heart breaks for each one of you! We love you❤️ Loved being around this sister-in-law
Aunt Carol was important to me more than others may know. She made the positive impact in the room, even when things got rough. She hadn’t seen me in 18 years until my Step Father and Mother got married in Port Orchard, Washington. Not only was she kind, but she was thinking the best for me even though she hadn’t seen me in so long. We had talked about plans to visit and see the town she lived in, have fun with family, and enjoy the scenery. Not only is it hard to let her go, but her passing has encouraged me to hold my family tighter, love on them more, and connect with them more. The Lord takes people who are ready for the gates at times we don’t expect. I’m looking forward to seeing her at the gates. She’s at peace and that’s the most I can ask for.
Ron and Family;
Peace and comfort to you and your family during this sorrowful time.
I just read Carol’s obit this afternoon. Ron, Terry, Lori my prayers are with you as I remember nothing but great adventures – first meeting at a parent/ teacher conference, track meets and celebrating in Dickinson, Jewett Lake with Carol floating off on her air mattress, road tripping to Langdon with Gwen, waking up in your back yard with my sandals tied to your lawn chair! Thanks for putting the slide show up it was a tearful walk through time.
A beautiful celebration of life, please know we are thinking of you all at this time and send our sincere sympathy.
My deepest sympathy Ron
What a shock to see this sad new. Mom and Dad (Bette and Elmer) will definitely be meeting Carol at the Gates. Her laughter will fill the heavens. She was the most fun, happy gracious person that I know. We loved being at Lake George when you were there. Carol made the world a better place and everyone around her happy. Her smile could light up a room and there was a glow about her face that made you feel special inside just being around her. You can see her glow in the pictures. What a special, special lady she was. I’m so glad we got to be friends. Ron, Lori and Terry, I’m so sorry for you loss. May Jesus hold you close and wipe away your tears.
Joy (Madsen) McSparron